Do people stay at Lake Martin for Auburn games? I believe the answer is YES. The Lake is a such a short drive to Jordan-Hare Stadium.

According to an article published earlier this month in Alex City Outlook (click here to read) Auburn home football games make a big impact on the economy around the Lake Martin area. Local merchants, businesses and restaurants report increased revenue for home game weekends.

And rentals at Lake Martin are popular for football weekends – enjoy the game in Auburn on Saturday and the Lake on Sunday! What could be better? (besides a winning season).

Even if you don’t plan on going to the Auburn football game, if you are coming to look at waterfront real estate, it affects you, too. As an example, I recently had a couple from Atlanta coming in to look at some homes and lots on Lake Martin. They happened to be coming on a football weekend, and hadn’t made any reservations. Most of the local hotels around the Lake were booked up! So it always pays to think ahead, even if you are not a football fan.

Since we are talking about Auburn and Lake Martin … were you one of the few that missed Auburn’s kicker, Daniel Carlson’s, Instagram video from this summer? He and teammate Will Hastings were at Lake Martin “working hard in the offseason.” Click here to see the video and read the article from AL.com.

Whether or not you Roll with the Tide, yell Waaarrr Eagle, scream Go Vols, support the Bulldogs (Mississippi State or Georgia), geaux with the Tigers, get fired up about the Gators, Gamecocks, Razorbacks, Rebel Black Bears or any other team – enjoy the Fall with Faith, Family, Friends and Football!

The Wakeboard Clinic at Blue Creek Marina this summer was fun! If you hear about one of these events at the Lake – GO! It is the perfect activity for a warm summer day and the clinic is open for all levels of experience.

And in case you were wondering – the answer is no, that is not me showing off my awesomewakeboarding skills. But my sons did learn some new acrobatic maneuvers and we want to say a big THANK YOU to Singleton Marine on Lake Martin for hosting the Liquid Force Wakeboard Demo Clinic at their location – Blue Creek Marina.

If you want to know about events around Lake Martin be sure to sign up for my free app!

Come have some great family fun at the Cornhole Tournament being held at The Landing at Parker Creek – Lake Martin on Labor Day Monday, September 5th at Noon!

No entry free!

What? You’ve never played cornhole? Just learn a few cornhole terms and you will be yelling “Let’s toss some!” before you know it. For starters a slider is when the bean bag (or bag filled with corn) slides into the hole. A swish is when the bag lands straight into the hole. A Sally is a toss made a little too short – it lands on the ground before reaching the actual board. And an Eddie the Eagle is when the bag goes beyond the board without hitting the board. Oops.

Let me end on this note – like Herb Winches, owner of The Landing and longtime Birmingham sportscaster likes to say, “Hit ’em straight!”

Shhhh…don’t tell the kids but Santa vacations at Lake Martin. Who knew?

You can take advantage of his being on the Lake on Sunday, September 4 and get a family Christmas card picture made on your boat! Meet at Bay Pines Marina between 11-1 and be ready to smile and say Jingle Bells. But don’t bring your Christmas list because remember – Santa is on vacation.

Celebrate the Arts at New Water Farms on Lake Martin in Dadeville on Saturday, August 6th.

You may be familiar with the honey, berries or baked goods from New Water Farms since they are offered at Pepper Place Market in Birmingham during the summer. But are you familiar with the Farm itself? Situated on 22 beautiful acres at Lake Martin its goal of “cultivating growth and renewal” is part of the New Water Ministries – a place for people who love Jesus.

It is located at 460 Civitan Road, Dadeville – about 7 miles from Hwy. 280. Click here for a Google Map to New Water Farms.

And then enjoy the evening art gallery and a chef-inspired cuisine with Chef Blake Hartley (Bottega Cafe and Hot & Hot Fish Club) from 4-8pm. Tickets are $75 and are available online. To see the menu, order tickets and for more information click here.

The Alexander City Sun Festival is here again – July 23- 30, 2016! This Lake Martin area fun filled event is made possible by city and county governments, over 100 sponsors and many, many volunteers. Sun Fest is coordinated by the Alex City Chamber of Commerce.

This week is packed full of activities for everyone – just to name a few (over 60 events are planned):

Saturday, July 23 – Get your glow on at the 5K Glow Run

Sunday, July 24 – Wind Creek State Park Family Day at the Lake (kayaking, sailing, volleyball, canoe race me?)

Saturday, July 30 – Summer Tailgate & BBQ Cook-off AND the grand finale – the Jana Kramer Concert and Fireworks show. Purchase your wristband early at the Chamber, online at www.alexandercity.com or at the gate that day for $20. This wristband gives you entry to all of the day’s events. Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy the show!

Most events of Sun Festival 2016 are on my free Lake Martin Voice App. To download a complete Sun Fest day by day guide click here. You can also see their Facebook page here. I do suggest you take a look at all 3 sources to help decide what events to attend – you don’t want to miss anything!

Happy Sun Festival everyone – you don’t want to miss celebrating all that Alex City and Lake Martin have to offer!